(Stillwater, OK) – The City of Stillwater has selected Duane C. Helmberger II as its new Fire Chief, following a comprehensive search process that included input from the Fire Department, community stakeholders, and City leadership.
Helmberger has been with the Midwest City Fire Department since 2016, and currently serves as the Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal overseeing fire prevention, risk reduction, code compliance, and interdepartmental coordination across a six-station, 89-member department.
“The Stillwater Fire Department is comprised of professional men and women serving this community in several ways every day. Chief Helmberger brings more than a decade of progressive fire service leadership, along with a strong commitment to community partnerships and firefighter safety that will help the department advance even more,” Deputy City Manager Christy Driskel said. “His experience developing innovative programs and fostering collaboration will serve the department and our residents well.”
Helmberger’s tenure includes development of prevention-focused initiatives to enhance emergency responses while also focusing on the needs of all those involved in critical situations. He has a strong focus on strengthening community partnerships and launched initiatives such as the FireLink Midwest City program, which reduced 911 calls for multi-callers by up to 90% through compassionate intervention strategies.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Stillwater community and lead the Stillwater Fire Department,” Helmberger said. “My family has called Stillwater home for 14 years, and this role represents not just a professional milestone but a personal commitment to the city that has given us so much. I look forward to building on the department’s strong foundation and continuing its mission to protect, prevent, and serve with excellence.”
Helmberger is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and recently completed the Executive Fire Officer program. His leadership philosophy centers on building high-performing teams where every member feels supported and heard, fostering a culture of collaboration and community trust.
City Manager Brady Moore explained how Helmberger has proven experience as the Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal of Midwest City where he implemented innovative community programs and developed new department procedures that increased efficiency and provided for a safer community.
“Chief Helmberger’s blend of leadership, technical expertise, and deep community ties made him an outstanding choice,” City Manager Moore said. “We are confident in his ability to lead with integrity, advance our public safety mission, and strengthen the department’s connection to the community, and best of all – he has been a longtime Stillwater resident and is excited to serve the community he loves.”
Helmberger holds an MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering from Oklahoma State University. His training and certifications include Chief Fire Officer and Fire Marshal designations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence and Best Practices in Community Risk Reduction and Leadership in Supervision from the National Fire Academy.
Helmberger and his wife, a Stillwater educator, have three children, and have lived in Stillwater for 14 years.
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